October 11, 2013

The Great Unwinding: Iranian Nuclear Negotiations and Principles for Sanctions Relief

In The Great Unwinding: Iranian Nuclear Negotiations and Principles for Sanctions Relief, Elizabeth Rosenberg, director of the Energy, Environment and Security program and Dr. Colin Kahl, Middle East program director, note that the Iranian regime may be ready to limit its nuclear program in exchange for sanctions relief. But, they add, the real test will come with the resumption of nuclear talks in Geneva on October 15-16 when the parties will have to confront taking concrete steps.

Ms. Rosenberg and Dr. Kahl outline the challenges to the Obama Administration in striking “the appropriate balance between relieving sanctions and concessions on the nuclear issue.” They offer suggestions on how to move forward through U.S. executive action, congressional legislation and European Union moves but caution that, as a hedge, relief from sanctions “should also include provisions for automatic reinstatement if Iran does not comply with the terms of any nuclear agreement.”

Authors

  • Colin H. Kahl

    Steven C. Házy Senior Fellow, Stanford University’s Center for International Security and Cooperation

    Colin Kahl is the Steven C. Házy senior fellow at Stanford University’s Center for International Security and Cooperation (CISAC) and the faculty director of CISAC’s Program o...

  • Elizabeth Rosenberg

    Former Senior Fellow and Director, Energy, Economics and Security Program

    Elizabeth Rosenberg is a former Senior Fellow and Director of the Energy, Economics, and Security Program at the Center for a New American Security. In this capacity, she publ...

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